PULLMAN — Inconsistency from the Washington State quarterback kept the door open. But right as California arrived, he closed it shut.
Cameron Ward found Renard Bell on a 37-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter to stamp out any thought of a comeback and the Cougars beat the Golden Bears 28-9 on Saturday in front of a homecoming crowd of 23,021 at Martin Stadium.
Ward completed 27 of 40 passes for 343 yards and three touchdowns, but threw two end zone interceptions to keep California in the game.
There seemed to be no urgency from Ward or the offense through three quarters, as the Cougars’ defense stood stout. There didn’t have to be. The Golden Bears managed three points and seven punts on their first eight possessions.
That was until Jack Plummer sparked some life in California with a 49-yard completion to Jeremiah Hunter to set up the teams’ lone touchdown. A familiar feeling of fourth-quarter letdown fell over the Washington State faithful with 13 minutes remaining.
It didn’t last. Ward responded with the 4-play 75-yard drive in one minute and 28 seconds.
California couldn’t keep up.
The Cougars then forced a 3-and-out and scored again, this time a 9-play 67-yard drive that ended in a touchdown from Ward to Billy Riviere from the one.
Washington State totaled 428 yards and woke up from a sleepy Saturday when it mattered most.
The Cougars (4-1, 1-1 Pac-12) may be ranked in the AP Top 25 come Sunday. They travel to No. 6 USC next Saturday for a 4:30 p.m. showcase on FOX.